Smile! :)

Let's be honest here, I'm a softy - I can't help it. I am a very happy person who doesn't have everything, but I have been blessed abundantly. 

Well, there's a student in my classroom who sits all alone in the front row (a chair away from me). This individual hardly ever smiles, there seems to be a constant look of sadness, and loneliness on her face. It has been so hard for me to look at her without my something pulling at my compassionate teacher heart-strings. It has finally bugged me to the point where I gained some courage on Wednesday and asked this student, "Hey, ------! How is your day going? She looked at me with astonishment and said, "It's going fine, thanks". Well, Rome wasn't built in a day, at least I was able to get her to speak to me. I want all of the students to feel like they can talk to me without hesitation. Today, I tried my luck a bit more. I said, "Good morning, -----, How are you?" she replied, "Fine, thanks. You?" I replied "I'm doing well. Did you have a good week?" she said, "Yes, I did." I smiled and said "That's great!". I saw her sad face turn into a slight smile. Isn't is amazing how much better a simple smile can make someone feel? Well, this student doesn't keep eye contact with me; however I plan on breaking through her tough outer core and finding out who she is.

 Sometimes I have to take a step back and look at situations with a different perspective. There could be something going on in this student's life that could be keeping her from opening up to others, or she could just be naturally shy.   Like previously mentioned, my ultimate goal is to make my students feel absolutely comfortable speaking to me. 

I was researching online about working with shy students. This website refers to children, but it can easily be transformed for shy teenagers as well.

http://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-methods-tips/35239-building-confidence-in-shy-children/

I also found a quote that speaks so well about the importance of a simple smile:

"A smile costs nothing but gives much.  It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give.  It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.  None is so rich or mighty that he cannot get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it.  Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.  Some people are too tired to give you a smile.  Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.  ~Author Unknown

My dear friends, if you see someone, whether it is a student, colleague, or a complete stranger that looks as if they are carrying the world on their shoulders, give them a smile. It will make a difference. J 

Adieu and keep on smiling!

Ms. Aden

Oh, and how about a little music to cheer you up?
(Nothing like Nat King Cole to make you smile!)

Goal Time!

 "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."  - C.S. Lewis

How true is that? I am certain that I will be setting goals for the rest of my life. My classroom is currently writing an essay on what goals they have to become a successful student this semester.

As I step into the unknown world of Pre-Student teaching there are many aspirations that I have. As an authority and role model, my goals can also be a positive reflection to my students. I feel that this is important to remember as I venture into the classroom environment.

This may sound silly, but my first goal is to get adequate sleep at night. I have found out the hard way that lack of sleep makes it really hard to stay attentive and focused in the classroom; either as a student or teacher. I want to be able to supply to the academic needs of my students, and in order to do so I must be healthy, alert, and well-rested. I completely understand too that there will be good and bad days, but I always want to be positive and uplifting to my students, and getting enough rest is pertinent to do so.

Another important goal of mine is to remain confident when I stand up in front of the students. My nerves get the best of me sometimes. I have a tendency to sweat, and shake, which of course are natural impulses; however, I want to have more confidence in myself. I know that I have spent the last three years working hard at learning and understanding my subjects. Thus, I need to take that knowledge and be bold when I step in front of the classroom. This is what I have been waiting to do my entire life!  I am looking forward to applying my knowledge to my students, and seeing how they respond.

I also desire to be more open and interactive with my students. Luckily, this goal has already been obtainable due to the generosity and trust of my CT. For instance, the students have recently been filling out a graphic organizer and have started writing rough draft essays over what they will do this semester to be successful students. My CT gave me a stamp to go around reading and approving the students’ graphic organizers. I feel immensely blessed that my CT and I have developed a trust between one another. There is no better encouragement than having multiple students raising their hands and asking “Ms. Aden” for help – this job is so rewarding! I have already learned so much from my CT, and cannot wait to see what else the future has to bring!

I feel that goals are a necessity; it is how we keep ourselves accountable for the things we do. Many people set a “New Year’s Resolution”, but in all honestly we should be setting goals daily, so that we are constantly improving ourselves.

Goal Reminder:

• Get adequate sleep
• Stay confident! Breathe
• Be interactive

“It is always good to have an end to journey toward; 

but it is the journey that matters, in the end”

- Earnest Hemingway

(Click on the quotation's author to be directed to the website where it originated)

Best Wishes,
Ms. Aden

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome!

Friends, Romans, and Countrymen, lend me your ears; (or eyes in this case!)
Julius Caesar (III.ii.74)

(Have you seen Theo and Cockroach from the Cosby Show rap Antony's speech? Check this out!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq3uK3i4_gA )

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Teaching!

I am looking forward to the start of a wonderful semester of pre-student teaching. I am sure there will be an abundance of learning and growing experiences. It is amazing to finally be fulfilling and walking in these "teacher-shoes" that I have been dreaming of wearing since I was a very young girl.

I was introduced to a new, exciting resource to use and incorporate classroom rules with one word. If a word is mentioned more than once it becomes larger in font, check this out!

http://www.wordle.net/

All right, friends! Adieu for now!

Ms. Aden :o)